Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 114

Chapter 114: Chapter 113- True face(2)
The main palace of Eryndor has never been this crowded before.

The second Prince who was supposed to be in the Academy, returned home with the convoy of the nation who was on the verge of war with Eryndor.

Aiden realized one thing from this, and that is he was betrayed by Morkel.

Austin wasn’t in the Academy, but in Drenovar, and sensing the friendly face the messenger from Drenovar held, the First Prince knew that something bad was about to happen.

However, even though he didn’t want it to happen, Aiden had no other option but to listen,

“Your Majesty, King of Eryndor, Guardian of these lands, I bring you the message sent from Drenovar—sent by the Monarch.”

Cedric wordlessly remained seated. Although he wanted to ask a few things from Austin, who was standing not so far away from the messenger, the King prioritized the messenger for now.

The crowd of people has been silenced completely, and the Ministers, including the chief advisor—on the wordless command of Aiden—were patiently listening to the message.

“For the losses I have caused, for the threats I have brought forth, and for the feuds that have long stained the history between our nations—I offer neither excuse nor justification. The wounds of the past are undeniable, and the bond once shared by our realms has been fractured.

Yet, let it be known that none of this holds weight any longer after the deeds of Second Prince Austin. His actions have not only mended what was broken but have also forged a new path for our people. For what he has done for Drenovar, I speak not merely as a king, but as a man indebted beyond measure.

“I, Idris, King of Drenovar, extend my hand in a truce between our two nations.

The past has been marred by conflict, by losses suffered, and by wounds that time has struggled to heal. I do not seek to erase what has been, nor do I deny the burdens carried by both our peoples. Yet, after the noble deeds of Austin, I can no longer allow old grudges to dictate the future of our realms.

In light of his actions and the debt Drenovar owes, I set aside past enmities and propose peace—a truce that shall stand as the foundation of renewed understanding. May this be the first step toward a future where our nations no longer clash as adversaries but walk forward with dignity and wisdom.

May your judgment guide this decision, and may our people find strength in unity rather than division.”

A wave of elation spread through the royal court upon hearing the message from Drenovar.

The people, who were blaming Cedric until a few minutes ago, were sighing in relief and rejoicing at the fact that the enemy nation had ceased fire.

Austin couldn’t stop himself from grinning seeing the pale complexion of his dear elder brother.

The way he looked at the messenger with his eyes widened was a sight worth taking numerous pictures of.

Cedric’s chest swelled with pride upon hearing his son’s name in the message. It turned out that Austin indeed had a plan to pacify the situation with Drenovar. And he somehow convinced those people who have been an enemy of Eryndor for years.

‘You have made me proud, Austin…’

With a smile, Cedric told the messenger, “I will extend my response soon. You may return now.”

The messenger gave a brief bow, before taking his leave. His role was just to extend the proposal of truce and he did what he was told.

Once he was gone, the citizens were also told to leave since the matter needed to be discussed among the council.

And this time, the general public didn’t protest since they already had gained assurance that there would be no war anymore.

Once they were gone, only the ministers of the upper council and the individuals of high noble ranking remained in the court.

“This is unexpected, Your Majesty, but I think we should immediately respond to them in kind. If they had extended a friendly proposal, we never were a war-loving side.” Arthur spoke, with slight excitement reflecting in his voice.

He couldn’t be any more relieved to know that the nation that has been targeting Eryndor for so long has actually suggested a truce.

“It is all thanks to you, Austin,” Arthur spoke, a thankful smile lifting the edges of his lips.

Although it was hard to swallow for some, like Duke Corwon, it was a fact that the one who brought this change in Drenovar’s attitude was none other than the Second Prince.

The same useless and talentless Prince whom everyone thought was a spoilt kid.

‘My daughter didn’t choose him just for his face, huh…’ The man heaved a sigh of relief.

Cedric was about to say something when suddenly, “We shouldn’t accept their proposal!” A booming voice resonated in the court.

The person silenced everyone as he stood at his place with his head leaning down.

Austin frowned, as he felt a sudden sensation making his head heavy, ‘So this is the effect of his Shard. Manipulative bastard.’

Aiden continued, “Father, with all respect, we shouldn’t forget what those people have done to us. Constantly tormenting our people, slaughtering so many soldiers, and making a joke out of us in front of the whole world.”

The voice of the first Prince resonated across the royal court, the effect of Shard working on those effectively who already were in his favor. And that included the Queen as well.

With his left hand pressed against his chest, the silver head spoke, “It pains me…every time I visit the graveyard and see the numerous tombstones of those soldiers who were killed by those vermins!”

Turning his reddened eyes toward his father, he added, “And now they are weakened because of the Hellstain they are offering a helping hand?! Am I the only one who can see their true face?”

The First Prince turned around and looked at other ministers. Some were lowering their heads and some were nodding in assent.

It was true that many had already agreed to this truce…but now that the first Prince reminded them, they indeed shouldn’t forget what Drenovar had inflicted on them.

However, while tens of people were in agreement with Aiden, there were a few who didn’t agree with him. And one of them was the Prime Minister,

“We also have damaged their forces. And it’s a fact that in the past Eryndor failed to protect the King and Queen of Drenovar. We should not let our past grievances influence our future.”

Aiden covered his forehead with his hand as he asked in shock, “You are saying that, Sir Arthur? You, who knows the best how sly and deceiving those people can be?”

With a snarl, the first Prince added, “They will extend a friendly hand today and stab us in the back tomorrow. And at that time when we would be at our most vulnerable phase.”

Now many people, or to say, apart from four people in the court, everyone was under the influence of Aiden’s words and his skill.

Aiden glanced at his younger brother for a moment, before he turned toward the Supreme Authority with his hands held behind his back,

“Your Majesty, as the heir of the family and the first Prince of the nation, I show my clear resistance toward this truce. I am saying for sure that this agreement will only cause Eryndor harm. And as a Prince, I cannot let that happen.”

Silence ensued after that.

Everyone who held authority was in agreement with what Aiden proposed.

Their eyes were clouded by the belief that following Aiden was the only way for Eryndor to survive.

Even the Queen had a firm expression upon hearing her son’s words.

‘Austin…you have once again made the wrong decision…but your brother won’t let us fall.’

The whole situation was flipped within minutes.

Just a few minutes ago, everyone was elated by the fact that the long rivalry between the two nations was finally coming to an end.

And it wasn’t that the Council that interfered. It was the Second Prince who brought this miraculous change.

However, the situation changed faster than the weather.

‘Sorry Austin, but I can’t let you become the new favorite~~’

Just as Aiden thought he had gained victory despite the unfavorable situation, someone entered the royal court,

*Clap* *Clap*

Every eye turned toward the person who walked inside.

Wearing a three-piece black suit and neatly combed grey hair, everyone knew the identity of the man who once served the King.

Sebastian could be seen in an unnatural mood. A smile on his face but the man’s eyes weren’t smiling at all.

“Sebastian…” Aiden called out, his tone carrying bitterness.

The butler ignored the first Prince as he stood beside his young master, before calling out,

“I hoped, Your Majesty…hoped that Young Master Austin has a misconception about his brother. That, Your Highness Aiden isn’t the man he believed him to be. I hoped that I could help rebuild this family somehow.”

With his eyes turning frosty, the man added, “However, after what I witnessed today, I can no longer stay silent and let this continue.”

*Snap*

As he snapped his fingers, a few more people entered the court.

Austin was surprised to find Rhea and Rudolph entering the court. And not just them, there was the Vice-headmaster of the Academy as well.

However, the person who caused Aiden’s complexion to change was the same soldier he sent to the Academy.

He was still alive!

‘Morkel….you a*shole!!!!’

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Damn, Morkel played it well. Drop a comment.